OVERVIEW

Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery

This tour offers the must see places of Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia. Start the trip from Yangon with all highlights then continue moving to Bagan, Inle Lake. Fly to Vietnam to visit the most attractive places and before going to Cambodia, to see Angkor Heritages. Finish your amazing holidays in Phnom Penh.

Upon arrival at the airport you will be greeted and transferred to you hotel for check-in.

Explore the capital Yangon, also known as Rangoon, Myanmar's largest city. Its colonial background and religious legacy make it one of the most mesmerizing and genuine places in all of Southeast Asia. Begin your sightseeing of Yangon with a visit of the 70-metre reclining Buddha at Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda. Head to Chinatown for a change of scenery and check out the dragons and incense of the colorful Khen Hock Keong Chinese temple. Explore the vibrant street stalls where vendors sell all kinds of fruit, vegetable and other goods or simply just walk around and soak in the atmosphere of this little China in Yangon. Resume your sightseeing with a visit to the gleaming royal barge at Kandawgyi Park.

As the sun begins to set, travel to the resplendent Shwedagon Pagoda. Start at the eastern entrance to find a row of shops at the base of the temple selling various religious items such as monks robes, alms bowls, offerings, incense and other unique Buddhist objects. Continue up the stairs to the main platform of Shwedagon where you will gaze in awe at the 100-metre gold-covered chedi.

Day 02

Yangon – Bagan

Fly to Bagan and discover the city

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, transfer to the airport to take a short domestic flight to Bagan.

Visit the bustling Nyaung U Market in Old Bagan, explore the beauty and gold leaf Shwezigon Pagoda and learn about Burmese Buddhist traditions.

In the afternoon, visit Ananda Temple, stop along the way on Bagan plains to admire some of the surrounding temples. Discover some local lacquer ware workshops and see how to make the traditional craft of local people here.

At the end of the day, enjoy a panoramic sunset view from the second highest pagoda of Bagan, the ShweSandaw Pagoda.

Day 03

Bagan

Continue your exploration of Bagan

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

Meals: Breakfast

Continue your exploration of the ancient city by taking an exotic horse cart ride to the Nan Paya Pagoda, one of the biggest temples in Bagan and many other interesting sites nearby.

Stop at MinkabaGubyaukyi Temple, take note of the architectural difference in MyaZedi Pagoda before heading to Manuha Temple.

At the end of the day, enjoy a panoramic sunset view from the Pyathatgyi pagoda.

Day 04

Bagan – Inle Lake

Fly to Heho gateway to Inle Lake, discover the life in the floating villages

Accommodation: Hotel in Inle

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Heho. From Heho, take a scenic one-hour drive to Nyaung Shwe, gateway village to Inle Lake.

Bard on a private motorboat to reach Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular and breathtaking sights. Its calm waters are dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, the scenic hills provide the perfect backdrop. Observe the daily activities of the local leg-rowing fishermen and see their ‘floating gardens’, which are built up from strips of water hyacinth, earth and anchored to the bottom of the lake with bamboo poles.

Visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses loads of early Shan Buddha Images. In the past this temple was known for its ‘jumping cats’ but these days there are only a few felines roaming around and none are jumping any more. Proceed to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, which contains five sacred images of Buddha decorated in gold leaf.

There are also many traditional crafts originating on Inle Lake and, should you wish, we can stop for a visit to one making incredible woven items from lotus silk, boat builders (depending on the time of year), a cigar making workshop, blacksmiths or even silver smiths.

Day 05

Inle Lake – Indein – Inle

Discover typical villages of Inle Lake

Accommodation: Hotel in Inle

Meals: Breakfast

Head to the lake’s morning market (the market is open every day apart from dark moon and full moon calendar days). The market is a hive of activity as the lake's residents gather to buy fresh produce and other goods in the early morning hours.

Continue on a 1-hour boat ride down a small canal taking you to the Pa-Oh village of Indein, positioned on the western shores of Inle Lake. Stretch your legs around the village before ascending the moss-covered stairway to the top of a hill. At the summit, you will be greeted buy an iconic Buddha image which sits enshrined among hundreds of stupa ruins and overgrown shrubbery.

A 45 minutes trek takes you to Sae Ma village. Along the way, enjoy the natural beauty and panoramic vistas of the area while basking under the shade of the bamboo grooves in the area. Upon arrival at the village, observe the daily lifestyles of the rural inhabitants.

If time allows, stop at Intha Heritage House to learn more about the history and culture of the lake's indigenous people.

The day will come to a close with a return trip by boat back to your hotel.

Day 06

Inle Lake – Yangon – Hanoi

Say goodbye to Inle and fly to Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

Free until transfer to Heho Airport to take your flight back to Yangon.

After lunch, connecting flight to Hanoi. Arrival in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel for check-in and relax.

Day 07

Hanoi City Tour

Hanoi city tour's highlights

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Start your guided tour of Hanoi in the morning with a visit of Ho Chi Minh Complex including the outside of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, House-on-Stilts, and One Pillar pagoda.

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first University dating back to 1070. The temple highlights the importance that Vietnamese society place then and now on education.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue your tour with a visit of the Museum of Ethnology. This museum is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples. As well as the comprehensive array of exhibits inside, there are also traditional tribal houses reconstructed within the ground.

Back to the center of Hanoi, visit Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake. The Ngoc Son temple is set on a tiny island on the Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century. The temple is reached by crossing the The Huc Bridge which literally means the ‘Place Touched by Morning Sunbeams’. Hoan Kiem Lake is the local point of the city and the source of many legends.

Take a 45 minute Cylo through Old Quarter. Also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. Originally each of the 36 s names’ was related to the products being sold there. It’s a great place to explore on foot with numerous photo opportunities.

Enjoy a traditional water puppet show before returning back to your hotel.

Day 08

Hanoi – Halong Bay

Visit the World Heritage site of Halong Bay

Accommodation: Overnight on boat

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

In the morning, departure from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Start sailing from Vinashin dock among beautiful islets (Indochina studio, Am Island…). The Bai Tu Long area has the wild beauty with the panoramic natural views, making it unforgettable.

Buffet lunch on board while admiring the grace of the bay.

Visit VungVieng village on a typical round-shaped rowing boat, the famous pearl-growing village and the fishing tanks of the local people. Observe the process of feeding pearl as well as the life of local people on the surface of Halong bay. Cruise to Cong Do and admire the wonderful beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay at the sun sets.

Late afternoon, enjoy kayaking activities or relax on the cruise.

Onboard the vessel, surrounded by a stunning setting in motion, attend our chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking.

Dinner is served onboard.

On the evening, relax or enjoy some complementary activities on board.

Day 09

Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue

Cave visiting in Halong Bay, head back to Hanoi et fly to Hue

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, lunch (or brunch)

Try a taichi session on the sundeck at the break of dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay.

Breakfast on board.

Explore the area of Hon Co Island and Co Cave (Grass Cave, also known as ThienCanh Son). Relax on the white sand beach of Co Island or enjoy swimming in the clear water after an exploration of the cave.

Enjoy a brunch on board while the cruise departs from Hon Co Island to Vinashin dock.

Late morning, back at Vinashin dock in Halong city for disembarkation where your driver awaits to take you back to your Hanoi. Fly to Hue and meet guide and driver for the transfer to your hotel.

Day 10

Hue City Tour

Hue city highlights

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Start the guided tour of Hue on a dragon boat to cruise down the Perfume River to Thien Mu pagoda. Thien Mu pagoda is one of the best-loved pagodas in Vietnam and is considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue. It is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. Then, visit the major sites including the Imperial Citadel with Forbidden Royal City.

Visit another pagoda for an elaborately prepared vegetarian lunch, served by the nuns of the pagoda. This gives a fascinating insight into the life of religious people in the area.

Visit the tomb and monument of King Tu Duc, located in a very beautiful area. This is an opportunity to learn more about Nguyen Kings and to enjoy the spectacular landscape. Also visit the other monument of Khai Dinh King for another view of the architecture. Walk through Dong Ba market to discover the local people life.

Transfer back to your hotel to relax.

Day 11

Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An

Walking tour in Hoi An ancient town

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

In the morning, leave Hue for Hoi An through the Hai Van Pass for a magnificent view of the East Sea. Stop at Lang Co to have a break. Pass by Da Nang city - the 4th large city of Viet Nam - to visit Marble Mountains. Stop en-route at a beach.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Set out to explore the quaint cobblestone streets of the town with more than two-century-old Chinese houses. Visit Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tan Ky ancestral house and the Japanese Bridge.

Day 12

Hoi An – Cam Thanh village – Tra Que Cooking Class – Hoi An

Visit Cam Thanh and Tra Que villages

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

In the morning, cycle along the Thu Bon River to visit a local fishing village. Ride along country lanes at a peaceful pace viewing local life and pause to see farmers toiling in their rice fields using centuries of farming practices. Peddle your way through palm forests, across bridges, fields of water buffalo, etc.

Take a short break and meet a local family at Cam Thanh Village before enjoying 1.5 hours ride on a traditional Basket Boat (round boat) in the Water Coconut Palm Forest. Learn how to sail the basket boat and try to catch fishes and “purple crabs” in the Canal.

Continue to Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village where a large variety of vegetable is produced for the local community. At the village, you will be shown the environmentally sustainable practices which the local villagers have used for centuries and is still being used extensively today.

Late morning, meet a local family. After a short, informative and fun cooking lesson, sit down for a delicious lunch.

Explore the maze of tunnels where the Vietnamese could escape bombings, hide from enemy, and mount surprise attacks. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers.

After a lunch in Cu Chi, head back to Saigon and take a half day city tour.

Start by visiting the Old Post Office a good example of French colonial architecture and also the country’s largest post office. Move on to see the Reunification Palace, one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. Continue with a visit of War Remnants Museum (Museum of American War Crimes), a poignant display of the futility of war.

Before finishing your tour, if time permits, there is a wide selection of goods at Ben Thanh Market to check out.

Day 15

Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Boat Trip – Ho Chi Minh

Enjoy a day trip in the Mekong Delta

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Meet your tour guide in the morning and head to the Mekong Delta.

The program starts with a visit of Cai Be floating market. Then, an optional stop can be made at a local workshops where you can see how to make rice paper, coconut candy and pop-rice, pop-corn...

The rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals at a peaceful time. It is so interesting to see traditional houses made of wood and palm tree leaves and see some activities of the local farmers with an opportunity to make contacts with them and see how they catch fish.

Lunch is served at Ut Trinh homestay.

Walk around the village and enjoy some fruits while listening to traditional Vietnamese music.

One more thing to do in this trip is biking on the village paths to see the local farms, houses, real life and the ancestral ways to pick up fruits in Mekong Delta. The cruise ends at Vinh Long city.

Day 16

Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap

Leave Ho Chi Minh City and fly to Siem Reap

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, transfer to Ho Chi Minh airport for a flight to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival in Siem Reap head to your hotel accompanied by your guide.

Day 17

Siem Reap Angkor Temples Tour

Discover the fabulous Angkor Heritage site

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, start your sightseeing tour of Angkor with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. Visit the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. Stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. The jungle covering the temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight to see. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.

Admire a magical sunset at Bakheng Hill.

Day 18

Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake – Floating Villages

Explore the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

Heading out of town, make your way by traveling on a newly paved road to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. Along the way, make a stop-over at the Preah Dark village and the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends.

In the afternoon, visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 km south of Siem Reap. Embark on a traditional wooden boat on Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia. Spend the rest of day visiting the "Chantiers Ecoles - Les Artisans d'Angkor" which provides training to young Cambodians in an effort to revive the ancient Khmer traditions of stone carving and wood sculpting.

Day 19

Siem Reap – Phnom Penh

Fly to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap

Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Meals: Breakfast

Morning flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Visit the Independence Monument and the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kg and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.

Spend the rest of the day at Phnom Penh’s Psar Toul Tom Pong, known as the Russian Market, a great place to hunt for souvenirs, curios, and silks.

Day 20

Phnom Penh City Tour

Discover Phnom Penh city's highlights

Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, visit the Toul Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek-both grim reminders of Cambodia's bloody past under Pol Pot. It is, an important piece of this country’s historical and cultural puzzle.

In the afternoon, continue your tour at the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - throughout the ages. End our day trip at Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset.

Day 21

Phnom Penh Departure

Say goodbye to our team at Phnom Penh airport

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Note

Day 8 and 9: The cruise's itinerary can change depending on the boat you choose.

Day 12: For those uncomfortable with a pushbike, other methods of transport can be arranged.